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Accounting can be a grueling industry, especially during tax season. That’s why Mantyla McReynolds helps employees maintain a good work/life balance as much as possible. For nine months of the year—during the off-season—employees work only half-days on Fridays. And regardless of how busy the company gets, it always closes on Sunday.

That’s not the only thing that makes Mantyla McReynolds unique in the industry. “They pay a very fair production bonus so that we know we are getting paid for every hour we work, which is very different from the way national firms compensate their employees,” explains an employee.

The firm promotes the development of its employees by paying for dues, memberships and continuing education. Many employees mention the frequent company parties, from summer BBQs to family Halloween parties. “I really like that the managing partner hosts a little contest every month with some type of prize,” says one employee.

Accounting Today has released its annual list of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For, which identifies and honors the best places of employment in the accounting industry.

The Best Accounting Firms to Work For list, which is created in conjunction with Best Companies Group, is made up of a total of 100 firms, split into three groups: 50 small firms (15-49 employees), 45 midsized firms (50-249 employees) and five large firms (more than 250 employees). A complete list of the firms is available below.

Accounting firms from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated firm’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

The rankings of the 4th annual Best Accounting Firms to Work For will be unveiled at an awards ceremony sponsored by ADP during Accounting Today’s 2nd Annual Growth & Profitability Summit on October 25-27 at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The list-making firms will also be published in the December issue of Accounting Today.

Keeping good records after you file your taxes is a good idea, as they will help you with documentation and substantiation if the IRS selects your return for an audit. Here are five tips from the IRS about keeping good records.

1. Normally, tax records should be kept for three years.

2. Some documents — such as records relating to a home purchase or sale, stock transactions, IRA and business or rental property — should be kept longer.

3. In most cases, the IRS does not require you to keep records in any special manner. Generally speaking, however, you should keep any and all documents that may have an impact on your federal tax return.

4. Records you should keep include bills, credit card and other receipts, invoices, mileage logs, canceled, imaged or substitute checks, proofs of payment, and any other records to support deductions or credits you claim on your return.

5. For more information on what kinds of records to keep, see IRS Publication 552, Recordkeeping for Individuals, which is available on the IRS website at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded parents and students rushing to meet this year’s April 17 deadline to be sure and check out several college-related tax benefits before filing their 2011 returns.

Two tax credits and a tax deduction are available to taxpayers who paid tuition and other expenses for an eligible student during 2011. Because an eligible student can be the taxpayer, spouse or dependent, these benefits can, for example, help workers taking continuing education courses and people returning to school, as well as parents paying for their children’s collegeeducation.

Given the number of different higher education credits and deductions, the IRS reminds taxpayers to carefully review eligibility requirements so they don’t overlook these important college benefits. Tax benefits include the following:

*The American Opportunity Tax Credit helps pay for the first four years of post-secondary education. Tuition, required enrollment fees, books and other required course materials generally qualify, and eligible students must be enrolled at least half time. Qualifying expenses of $4,000 or more in 2011 can earn a taxpayer the maximum credit of $2,500 per student per year. Even taxpayers who owe no tax can get a payment of the credit of up to $1,000 for each eligible student. The credit is claimed on Form 8863. But the IRS warns taxpayers to avoid an often-costly tax scam, currently being promoted widely to senior citizens, low-income families and church members falsely claiming that refunds based on the credit are available, even if they’re not currently enrolled in college and even if they went to school decades ago. In addition, some international students, normally considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes, have been improperly advised that they qualify for the credit.

*The Lifetime Learning Credit, limited to $2,000 per taxpayer per year, can be claimed based on tuition and required enrollment fees paid for any level of post-secondary education. Because of differences between the two credits and the fact that the American Opportunity Tax Credit usually yields greater tax savings at the undergraduate level, the Lifetime Learning Credit may be particularly helpful to graduate students, students taking only one course and those who are not pursuing a degree. The Lifetime Learning Credit is also claimed on Form 8863.

*The tuition and fees deduction is available for both full-time and part-time students at all levels of post-secondary education. The deduction of up to $4,000 is claimed on Form 8917.

Each year, a student normally receives a Form 1098-T from their college showing tuition payments and other information.

Though a taxpayer often qualifies for more than one of these benefits, he or she can only claim one of them for a particular student in 2011. Income limits and other special rules apply to each of these benefits. The general comparison table in Publication 970 can be a useful guide to taxpayers in determining eligibility for each of these benefits.

Often, tax credits are more valuable, because they reduce the amount of tax owed, whereas deductions reduce the income on which tax is figured. Tax software can often help parents and students determine which benefit yields the greatest tax savings.

Besides these tax benefits, parents, students and former students who made student loan payments during 2011 can deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest. Normally, borrowers receive from their financial institution Form 1098-E showing student loan interest paid for the year. This deduction is claimed on Form 1040 Line 33 or Form 1040A Line 18. Income limits and other special rules apply. For example, the student must have been enrolled at least half time in a degree or certificate program. A worksheet in the tax form instructions can help taxpayers figure the deduction correctly.

The student loan interest deduction, the tuition and fees deduction and both tax credits can be claimed by eligible taxpayers, regardless of whether they itemize deductions on Schedule A. These benefits are available to both Form 1040 and 1040A filers. Details on these and othereducation-related deductions and credits can be found in the Tax Benefits for Education Information Center on IRS.gov.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded parents and students rushing to meet this year’s April 17 deadline to be sure and check out several college-related tax benefits before filing their 2011 returns.

Two tax credits and a tax deduction are available to taxpayers who paid tuition and other expenses for an eligible student during 2011. Because an eligible student can be the taxpayer, spouse or dependent, these benefits can, for example, help workers taking continuing education courses and people returning to school, as well as parents paying for their children’s collegeeducation.

Given the number of different higher education credits and deductions, the IRS reminds taxpayers to carefully review eligibility requirements so they don’t overlook these important college benefits. Tax benefits include the following:

*The American Opportunity Tax Credit helps pay for the first four years of post-secondary education. Tuition, required enrollment fees, books and other required course materials generally qualify, and eligible students must be enrolled at least half time. Qualifying expenses of $4,000 or more in 2011 can earn a taxpayer the maximum credit of $2,500 per student per year. Even taxpayers who owe no tax can get a payment of the credit of up to $1,000 for each eligible student. The credit is claimed on Form 8863. But the IRS warns taxpayers to avoid an often-costly tax scam, currently being promoted widely to senior citizens, low-income families and church members falsely claiming that refunds based on the credit are available, even if they’re not currently enrolled in college and even if they went to school decades ago. In addition, some international students, normally considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes, have been improperly advised that they qualify for the credit.

*The Lifetime Learning Credit, limited to $2,000 per taxpayer per year, can be claimed based on tuition and required enrollment fees paid for any level of post-secondary education. Because of differences between the two credits and the fact that the American Opportunity Tax Credit usually yields greater tax savings at the undergraduate level, the Lifetime Learning Credit may be particularly helpful to graduate students, students taking only one course and those who are not pursuing a degree. The Lifetime Learning Credit is also claimed on Form 8863.

*The tuition and fees deduction is available for both full-time and part-time students at all levels of post-secondary education. The deduction of up to $4,000 is claimed on Form 8917.

Each year, a student normally receives a Form 1098-T from their college showing tuition payments and other information.

Though a taxpayer often qualifies for more than one of these benefits, he or she can only claim one of them for a particular student in 2011. Income limits and other special rules apply to each of these benefits. The general comparison table in Publication 970 can be a useful guide to taxpayers in determining eligibility for each of these benefits.

Often, tax credits are more valuable, because they reduce the amount of tax owed, whereas deductions reduce the income on which tax is figured. Tax software can often help parents and students determine which benefit yields the greatest tax savings.

Besides these tax benefits, parents, students and former students who made student loan payments during 2011 can deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest. Normally, borrowers receive from their financial institution Form 1098-E showing student loan interest paid for the year. This deduction is claimed on Form 1040 Line 33 or Form 1040A Line 18. Income limits and other special rules apply. For example, the student must have been enrolled at least half time in a degree or certificate program. A worksheet in the tax form instructions can help taxpayers figure the deduction correctly.

The student loan interest deduction, the tuition and fees deduction and both tax credits can be claimed by eligible taxpayers, regardless of whether they itemize deductions on Schedule A. These benefits are available to both Form 1040 and 1040A filers. Details on these and othereducation-related deductions and credits can be found in the Tax Benefits for Education Information Center on IRS.gov.

Salt Lake City, UT. Mantyla McReynolds joined the BDO Seidman Alliance four years ago and attributes its continued success to the relationship and resources provided through the association. The BDO Siedman Alliance is a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals. As an independent member of the BDO Seidman Alliance, Mantyla McReynolds has been able to expand the services offered to clients by drawing on the resources of BDO USA, LLP, one of the nation’s leading professional services firms, and other Alliance members. BDO USA serves clients through 40 offices and more than 400 independent Alliance firm locations nationwide. As an independent Member Firm of BDO International Limited, BDO serves multi-national clients through a global network of 1,082 offices in 119 countries.

“Our client base is increasingly exploring business opportunities in other domestic markets and foreign countries. The BDO Seidman Alliance allows us to better serve these clients as they expand regionally, nationally and globally, while maintaining our autonomy,” said Kim McReynolds, Managing Partner of Mantyla McReynolds. “In addition to the geographic benefits, our firm has access to greater technical knowledge and specialty services of BDO USA and its international organization.”

About the BDO Seidman Alliance – The BDO Seidman Alliance is a nationwide association of independently owned local and regional accounting, consulting and service firms with similar client service goals. The BDO Seidman Alliance presents an opportunity for these firms, by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, to expand services to their clients without jeopardizing their existing relationships or their autonomy. The BDO Seidman Alliance was developed to provide member firms with an alternative strategy for gaining competitive advantage in the face of a changing business landscape. The Alliance represents an opportunity to enhance our relationships with reputable firms that share a mutual business understanding. The BDO Seidman Alliance is a division of BDO USA, LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership.

About BDO USA, LLP

BDO is the brand name for BDO USA, LLP, a U.S. professional services firm providing assurance, tax, financial advisory and consulting services to a wide range of publicly traded and privately held companies. For 100 years, BDO has provided quality service through the active involvement of experienced and committed professionals. The firm serves clients through 40 offices and more than 400 independent alliance firm locations nationwide. As an independent Member Firm of BDO International Limited, BDO serves multi-national clients through a global network of 1,082 offices in 119 countries.

BDO USA, LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, is the U.S. member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.

Mantyla McReynolds began in 1989 when Don Mantyla and Kim McReynolds had a vision of creating their own business, their own legacy. Born leaders, Don and Kim have successfully expanded the firm to over 30 employees by hiring bright thinkers and creating a positive work environment.

Mantyla McReynolds is a local CPA firm, based in one of the greatest places to live: Salt Lake City, Utah. The firm has the experience and expertise to help businesses throughout Utah, the United States and the world, and it has serviced small business, middle-market and international organizations for over 20 years. Mantyla McReynolds is a BDO Seidman Alliance firm, offering experienced and accessible service teams, world-class engagement management and a focus on quality and efficiency.

With a commitment to timely service and communication, the professionals at Mantyla McReynolds have the experience and knowledge to help you succeed.

Memberships/associations: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants (UACPA), Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) registrant and Center for Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (CPCAF). As members of the PCAOB and CPCAF, Mantyla McReynolds is required to undergo rigorous quality control reviews, performed by government regulators and other CPA firms. The reviews are performed regularly and examine all internal procedures and records. As a result of these reviews, the firm